An outbreak of psittacosis infection, also known as parrot fever, has resulted in five deaths across five European countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a sudden increase in cases over the past year, with the disease continuing to spread. Psittacosis is caused by a bacteria that commonly infects birds, but can also be transmitted…
Handheld ultrasonographic devices, used in conjunction with clinical examination, have shown promise in diagnosing pulmonary and cardiac diseases according to a study published in JAMA. These devices could provide a more accessible and cost-effective option for diagnosing these conditions. By continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising,…
The nursing shortage is not due to a lack of applicants, but rather a lack of capacity in nursing schools. Training resources and qualified educators are limited, preventing schools from producing enough competent graduates to meet the demand for healthcare. Immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations are being integrated into nursing education to supplement traditional methods…
The Bon Secours Hospital Cork Practice Nurses and Managers Conference took place at the Kingsley Hotel in Cork on March 2, 2024. Photos from the event were captured by Gerard McCarthy and shared on Irish Medical Times. Practice nurses and managers gathered to discuss and share insights on healthcare practices and management strategies. The conference…
The phase 3 WSG-ADAPT HR+/HER2- trial presented first efficacy results in patients with luminal early breast cancer in 2020, showing that endocrine therapy (ET) alone produced excellent outcomes for those with intermediate genomic risk and decreased tumor cell proliferation. At the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting, results for high-risk patients were presented, showing that ET alone…
Researchers found that racialized children in the USA receive worse health care than White children across various specialties. Disparities in health care were not explained by factors like health insurance, preference, or geographic area. To address these inequalities, systemic changes are needed to make child health care more equitable. Issues like housing instability, poor housing…
BrainCheck, a digital health company specializing in cognitive assessments, received a $15 million investment led by Next Coast Ventures, S3 Ventures, and UPMC Enterprises. The funding will be used to expand their product portfolio and commercial reach. The three-minute cognitive assessment test provided by BrainCheck can be done remotely or with a provider, aiding in…
Americans pay significantly higher prices for prescription drugs compared to other high-income industrialized countries, sometimes two to four times as much. President Biden’s claim that prescriptions can be filled for 40% to 60% less in other countries is mostly accurate for comparable nations. Factors like country-specific pricing, rebates, and discounts can make price comparisons challenging….
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are growing issues in glaucoma, leading to unnecessary tests, treatment, and anxiety for patients. Ophthalmologists must be cautious about diagnosing glaucoma and refrain from rushing into a diagnosis. Factors such as cost, side effects, and access to disability insurance contribute to the problem. In addition, anxiety and depression, especially in younger patients,…
The Senate panel passed a bill aimed at preventing certain Chinese companies from doing business in the United States, with the sole no vote cast by Sen. Rand Paul. Concerns have been raised about Chinese companies gathering Americans’ genetic information for potentially harmful purposes, leading to the introduction of the Biosecure Act by Senator Gary…
The World Health Organization has issued a warning about growing resistance to the HIV antiretroviral drug dolutegravir. Surveys conducted in Malawi, Uganda, and Ukraine have shown that resistance levels among those receiving this medication are higher than expected. This resistance is particularly concerning as it is surpassing levels seen in clinical trials. The findings suggest…
Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is a rare congenital enteropathy in infants causing severe diarrhea and inability to absorb food. Previously fatal, advances in parenteral nutrition have made it manageable but require daily treatments. Investigating the root cause, researchers created organoids from patient cells, revealing dysfunctional electrolyte transport as the cause of fluid loss. A chloride…
A study found that increasing daily steps up to 10,000 reduced the risk of death and cardiovascular disease, regardless of sedentary time. Data from 72,174 individuals showed that 9,000 to 10,000 steps per day lowered mortality risk by 39% and CVD risk by 21%. Benefits were seen with as few as 4,000 to 4,500 steps…
Protein is essential for weight loss, but it’s important to consume the right amount and type of protein for long-term results. Ten great sources of lean protein include fish, seafood, skinless white-meat poultry, lean beef, skim or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, lean pork, and beans. These sources can help you shed unwanted pounds and…
Researchers have developed a model to assess the risk of outdoor falls in snowy and icy winter conditions, called the Slip and Fall Index (SFI). The study found that ice and snow on the ground significantly predicted falls leading to increased ER presentations. Women presented more often for slip and falls compared to men, with…
Consuming artificially sweetened beverages increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition with serious consequences. A study found that drinking two or more liters of these drinks a week raises the risk by 20%. The study also found that consuming pure fruit juice is associated with a lower risk of AFib, while those who…
Apollo Hospital, a surgeon, and an anaesthetist have been held liable for the death of a patient following spinal surgery. The court has ordered them to pay Rs 30 lakh in compensation to the family of the deceased. The patient passed away due to negligence during the surgery. Cookie policy was also mentioned in the…
The healthcare industry has been inundated with data but clinicians struggle to make sense of it due to inefficient technology. Up to 97% of patient data goes unused, leading to burnout and fatigue among healthcare professionals. AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry by synthesizing data and presenting it in a useful manner to…
More than 1,900 Irish consultant doctors, representing 45% of the consultant workforce, have signed a new public-only Sláintecare contract. This includes 380 new consultants and 1,543 who switched from previous contracts. The top specialties adopting the contract are general medicine, anaesthetics, and surgery. The contract prohibits private practice in public hospitals, aiming to improve access…
A study published in Blood Advances found that the F8 genotype and higher factor dose are risk factors for developing inhibitors in patients with severe hemophilia A. The PUPs A-LONG study evaluated the safety and efficacy of efmoroctocog alfa in previously untreated patients with severe hemophilia A, showing an incidence of inhibitor development of approximately…
Australia-based not-for-profit organization Crohn’s Colitis Cure (CCCure) has launched a subscription-based access to its registry of data on patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The organization’s clinical management system, CCCare, offers IBD-specific EMR for real-time care documentation, with approximately 300 clinical users and 14,500 patient records. CCCure is working on…
A whistleblower lawsuit alleges that Maryland firm Aledade Inc. cheated Medicare using billing software to inflate patient diagnoses, boosting revenues. A former employee filed the suit, claiming Aledade fired him for objecting to fraudulent practices. Aledade denies the allegations. The lawsuit targets the company’s use of coding software to increase payments by adding exaggerated medical…
Short sleep durations of 5 hours or less increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, even with healthy eating habits, according to research led by Diana Aline Nôga, PhD. The study, using data from 247,867 U.K. Biobank participants, found that individuals with shorter sleep durations had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While…
The U.S. has seen improvements in reducing the public health consequences of air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. However, these improvements have not been distributed equally among different racial and ethnic groups. While overall deaths and disease linked to air pollution have decreased, racial disparities have increased, particularly in pediatric asthma cases….
Sebastian Kraemer, an honorary consultant at Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust in London, UK, emphasizes the alarming decline in children’s health under the current government. This decline is documented in the Academy of Medical Sciences report and includes high levels of destitution and inequality. The increase in infant mortality is particularly concerning. The situation is…
A study found that sports coaches who display authentic leadership qualities could improve athletes’ mental health and protect them from mental illness. When athletes perceive their coach as open, understanding, ethical, and supportive, they experience greater happiness and problem-solving abilities. This leadership style also leads to more positive interactions among teammates, especially in athletes competing…
A new publication in Acta Materia Medica journal discusses the potential of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as drug targets for metabolic disorders like obesity. GPCRs interact with various transducers and biased agonism can activate specific therapeutic pathways. The structural techniques like X-ray crystallography have helped understand how biased agonism affects downstream responses. The article emphasizes…
Thunderstorm asthma can occur when heavy storms uplift pollen or spores, causing them to explode into smaller grains. Climate change is increasing pollen levels, making thunderstorm asthma events more common and severe. Those with allergies, hay fever, or asthma are at risk. Minimize risk by monitoring pollen levels, staying indoors during storms, and using medications….
The FDA has approved Dexcom’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring system for adults with or without diabetes who do not use insulin. The system, which consists of a wearable sensor and a smartphone application, continuously measures and displays glucose values every 15 minutes. It is not intended for individuals with…
An 89-year-old man in the U.K. died from complications of a vitamin D overdose, sparking concerns about excessive supplement consumption. David Mitchner from Surrey consumed high levels of vitamin D supplements for nine months, leading to toxicity and organ failure. Experts advise taking the recommended daily amounts of vitamin D based on age to prevent…
New antibodies have been developed to target a specific region of the influenza virus protein that is often overlooked. This region, known as the “dark side,” is crucial for the virus’s ability to infect host cells. By targeting this region, researchers hope to create more effective treatments and vaccines for influenza. The antibodies could potentially…
MedCity News is hosting the MedCity INVEST 2024 conference in Chicago on May 21-22, bringing together healthcare investors, startups, and executives for networking and panel discussions on healthcare investment trends. Speakers include representatives from MedTech Advantage Fund, Quantum Health, J.P. Morgan Chase, Blue Shield of California, Health 2047, and more. The event is a great…
The Health Products Regulatory Authority in Ireland has warned about the growing trend of individuals providing prescription cosmetic treatments without a prescription. A recent RTE documentary showed non-medically licensed beauty industry members administering treatments like Botox, and supplying them wholesale to be sold without proper licensing. The HPRA has taken enforcement actions to disrupt illegal…
Between 20% and 56% of international travelers from high-income countries are at risk for travelers’ diarrhea during trips to tropical or subtropical destinations lasting less than 100 days. Pre-travel medical consultations can help reduce the severity and frequency of the condition. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 cohort studies found a pooled incidence of…
Tech-enabled food delivery company FarmboxRx is launching a Maternal Health Program to provide access to food and nutrition education for at-risk pregnant women. The program will focus on promoting health literacy, newborn and child immunizations, mental healthcare, prenatal and postpartum care, vision compliance, and nutrition. Founder and CEO Ashley Tyrner emphasizes the importance of culturally…
Several states, including California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, have laws protecting hospitals that refuse to provide reproductive healthcare. These laws shield providers, often Catholic hospitals, from liability for not offering services like abortions and sterilizations based on religious beliefs. Some states have laws without exceptions for emergencies or miscarriages. These laws have consequences for patients, limiting…
The initial management for acute pancreatitis should include moderately aggressive fluid resuscitation and close monitoring of vital signs and urine output. A new guideline from the ACG emphasizes that early management is crucial to prevent complications such as organ failure and pancreatic necrosis. Recommendations include using transabdominal ultrasound for evaluation, avoiding prophylactic antibiotics in severe…
The biotech industry is constantly evolving with new developments in medications and treatments. Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic has shown benefits beyond diabetes, while Alnylam Pharmaceuticals’ zilebesiran has shown promise in lowering blood pressure. However, biotech VC funding is shrinking, with fewer deals and less money being raised. Apogee Therapeutics’ antibody treatment has shown positive results, and…
Two amendments have been made to Éabha Lynn’s article (BMJ 2024;384:p2939, doi:10.1136/bmj.p2939) at the request of NHS England and the General Medical Council. Firstly, a sentence regarding GMC accreditation of medical degrees has been replaced with one emphasizing the need for medical schools to provide evidence that their apprenticeship programs meet required learning outcomes. Secondly,…
Skin-whitening practices are popular in Africa and Asia due to the association of fair skin with status and beauty. Despite the risks and scams involved, the market for whitening treatments is growing rapidly. Injections containing whitening agents, such as glutathione, are becoming increasingly popular, despite the significant health risks they pose. Some products are found…
A Maryland firm, Aledade Inc., is facing a whistleblower lawsuit alleging Medicare fraud by using billing software to make patients appear sicker than they were, resulting in millions of dollars in improper revenues. A senior employee filed the lawsuit, claiming he was fired after objecting to the company’s practices. Aledade denies the allegations. The lawsuit…
Negative thoughts are common and normal, but can become harmful if they persist for a long time. Research shows that repetitive negative thinking can lead to mental and physical health issues. Methods to combat negative thinking include cognitive behavioral therapy, acknowledging emotions, identifying and clarifying negative thoughts, evaluating emotions, and coming at thoughts from a…
Dr. Jason Black is a family medicine physician at Gilchrist, a hospice and palliative care organization. He focuses on treating frail elderly patients, often in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. He believes in a family-centered approach to care and emphasizes medication reconciliation and deprescribing. Palliative care, which clarifies treatment goals for seriously ill patients,…
Sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder linked to health issues like diabetes and heart attacks, is now linked to cognitive impairments such as memory problems. A recent study discovered that people with sleep apnea symptoms are 50% more likely to report memory issues. Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring and breathing pauses during sleep. Researchers…
A doctor in Coimbatore was robbed of Rs 70,000 while out on a walk at Sickle Point. The incident occurred due to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies. For more information, users can refer to the Cookie Policy…
Healthcare providers are facing an increase in denials and write-offs, impacting financial stability and patient care. Factors such as changing demographics and payer standards contribute to this issue. To combat denials, providers must adhere to regulations, improve documentation, implement claim scrubbing, analyze denial trends, train staff, and collaborate with payers. By enhancing registration processes, accuracy…
Laya Healthcare is opening a new 25,000 sq ft clinic in Swords, Co Dublin, creating 25 new jobs. The clinic will offer urgent care services for minor injuries and illnesses, with a promise to see patients within 60 minutes. The facility will include diagnostic imaging services such as X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, and Dexa scan. The…
The study presented at the 2021 American Transplant Congress showed a significant decline in adult living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) from 2010 to 2019. Despite an overall increase in kidney and liver transplants, the proportion of patients receiving LDKT decreased over the decade. The decline was observed among Black, White, and Hispanic patients, but there…
Deciding to go to rehab is a significant decision that often comes at a breaking point in someone’s life. The process of checking into rehab involves an assessment, admissions process, medical detoxification, treatment planning, and support from staff and other residents. The environment in a rehab center is designed to be supportive and nurturing, helping…
Hims & Hers Health, a direct-to-consumer virtual care company, reported significant revenue growth in Q4 2023, reaching $246.6 million compared to $167.2 million in Q4 2022. The company also saw a yearly revenue increase of $872.0 million in 2023 compared to $526.9 million in 2022. Hims & Hers reported a net income for Q4 of…